Walch Communication

05/01/2024

Walch Communication has closed for business. I've decided to keep this page open to share items that are of interest to me, especially concerning digital marketing, rural development, aging issues, and disability issues.

I am still looking for communications work. I've also been working with Vocational Rehabilitation to navigate my learning disability, which turns out to be ADHD. Who knew? The diagnosis is more than that, but won't share everything right now. Hopefully, there is a path forward, where I can get intervention, accommodation, and employment with an employer that understands how to work with a disabled person as well as see their abilities.

04/01/2024

By Michelle Walch

Now is the time people start thinking about goals or resolutions for the coming year. Resolutions work best with a plan, which seems complicated. They are easy to forget after the first week. As for goals, dude I have the same list for the last 20 years. While I have achieved some of them, there are quite a few I have not. In a recent discussion with a colleague about this, she said she focuses on a word of the year. That seems so much more simple.

I ruminated on this for a while. I picked “understanding” for my 2024 word. The definition for understanding is “to know or comprehend.” It is an objective, scientific type of word. Yet there is still an emotional component to understanding as well, such as empathy. I think that is an important part of understanding, but for now, I want to stick with the straightforward definition without getting too gooey.

I’ve always tried to understand people, perhaps to a fault. Why does someone act the way they do? What happened to them in the past that shapes their behavior and choices now? It’s a way of trying to find an explanation.

Understanding is significant to me. For years I’ve wanted to communicate that I’m a slow processor due to a learning disability, but never felt like I could do that without actual confirmation from a doctor. However, due to research and self-advocacy, I have reached a turning point. Now I have facts about myself to work with, and perhaps a path forward.

Understanding is about the facts. If you want to include the empathetic aspect that’s fine too. An explanation is the first thing. It’s about finding the truth, so we can make a plan to improve.

04/01/2024

As much as I prefer to avoid partisan politics, I feel compelled to share this. That former president still gets too much attention while the current president gets no attention, specifically concerning accomplishments. Found this today:

Although certain Americans who receive their daily news from television and social media may not realize it, President Joe Biden has already accomplished an incredible amount in his two-plus years in office. These accomplishments are of great...

29/07/2023

Who had 2 thumbs & loaded Google Analytics 4 on to her website? This gal.

19/07/2023

The last newsletter I sent out had a 51% open rate. The average open rate is 17% - 28% according to marketing sources. Take away here is to follow the tips provided in the newsletter platform. Huzzah.

18/07/2023

Seriously how do I get anything done today.

30/04/2023

Join us for good conversations and connections!

PRSA Oregon Chapter just announced a new event and we wanted to make sure you were the first to know! Communicators of Color No-host Coffee Tuesday, May 23…

13/04/2023

My colleagues at Take PART PDX posted my blog about rural life for Oregonians of color. Thanks!

People of Color want to know: do Black Lives Matter in rural Oregon? How diverse is rural Oregon? As a white person I'm hardly qualified to answer. But I can try. African American History, Oregon Black History, Black History Month, Race Relations Rural Oregon, People of Color, Post Traumatic Sl

24/03/2023

Communicators! Join PRSA Oregon for a morning mixer next Friday. Great networking opportunity! Let me know if you go.

Good coffee, great conversations!

Come grab a cup on March 31 at 40 LBS Coffee Bar and take a few minutes to meet other PR, marketing, and communication pros. We’ll be talking about campaign tools, communications tips, and whatever else comes up. Join in on hanging out with us!

Drop in at any time from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at 40 LBS Coffee Bar, 101 SW Main St., Suite 116, Portland.

* No fees but coffees.
* Hosted by PRSA Oregon, but , Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) National members, and even non-members are welcome to join us!
* No need to RSVP!

14/03/2023

Looking forward to this!

''It?s time to go social. We?ll make it simple! Spark offers step-by-step instructions you need to start building your social media presence across all of the top social networks. This Introduction to Spark Social Media will teach you social media basics and advanced concepts. Understand how to expa...

28/02/2023

A piece I wrote for Black History Month has been updated: "Do Black Lives Matter in Rural Oregon?"

Thank you to Ebonee Bell and Michelle Carter for their input!

People of Color want to know: do Black Lives Matter in rural Oregon? How diverse is rural Oregon? As a white person I'm hardly qualified to answer. But I can try. African American History, Oregon Black History, Black History Month, Race Relations Rural Oregon, People of Color, Post Traumatic Sl

23/02/2023

Thus week in APR class we are studying ethics.

10/02/2023

Welp, I’m going to do it: earn Accreditation in Public Relations. Class starts tomorrow.

10/12/2022

Morning rainbow 🌈

28/11/2022

Check out PK Mutch & CV Harquail's discussion on socialism.

On September 4-8th, pk mutch and cv harquail attended the 2022 Socialism Conference in Chicago. They share some thoughts on the experience--and the list of ...

14/11/2022

Hey everyone! I'm going to this FREE happy hour event Friday. I'm on the PRSA Oregon chapter D.E. & I. committee and we organized this. Should be good! Let me know if you have questions!

Join fellow communicators of color at this PRSA Oregon Event!

14/10/2022

https://www.michellewalch.com/michelles-wellness-blog/2022/10/14/help-get-naturalist-numbers-published-check-out-our-indiegogo-campaign-and-back-us-today

Help get Naturalist Numbers published! Letters of the West authors John Maddin and Michelle Walch completed their next book and you can help them get it self-published.

14/10/2022

I’ve had some steep learning curves this year. This was a good reminder.

07/10/2022

At ! First time I’ve met many of the members. Autumnal centerpiece by yours truly. 🍂

22/09/2022

CUI/Bel writing samples:

22/09/2022

Writing Samples from CUI/Bel:

09/05/2022

April is Diversity, Equity & Inclusion month. May is Older Americans Month. In light of that, here are a couple thoughts about creating an age-of inclusive workplace.

Ageism is one of the many -isms that need to end. Aging is universal. Of all the -isms, ageism is the one -ism that ALL people will potentially experience, regardless of race or gender. And for those who are already experiencing racism and sexism, ageism is one more thing to deal with. Additionally,

15/09/2021

10/09/2021

Thanks CC Oregon & OLF for the work you do!

Since 1981, the OREGON LAW FOUNDATION has supported access to justice in Oregon by obtaining and distributing funds to provide legal services to persons...

07/07/2021

Earned my Social Marketing certification from Hootsuite. BOOM. Anyone need help with your social media strategy, hit me up! I have spreadsheets!

Advance your career with our online suite of free social media marketing and Hootsuite platform courses. Only at Hootsuite Academy.

26/05/2021

Required reading for today's discussion on age discrimination and older income-earners. How can we put a stop to ageism in the workplace? How can we encourage companies to work towards age-diverse settings? https://www.bettersmarterricher.com/preparing-for-your-second-act-or-continuing-your-first-career-and-fighting-ageism-all-the-way/

What encore entrepreneurs can do about age discrimination from advocacy to policy. Find community with Jackie's meetups

13/05/2021

Ageism affects one's ability to fully participate in the workforce. Myths about growing older are proven false time and time again. Those 55+ still have energy, the ability to learn new things, good health, and mental acuity. What is being done to counteract age discrimination? What can be done at the individual level? Plenty! Read a blog I wrote for Better, Smarter, Richer. Join Jackie and me for her May 26 Meetup for a discussion on ending ageism in the workforce. https://www.bettersmarterricher.com/wisdom-blog/

Working for yourself is the answer to financial stability. You can't do it alone. Get self employment help with courses and consulting.

28/04/2021

Some figure out their careers early on, like normal people. Some of us take longer. Then age discrimination affects your career. Even when you find your focus, other factors may impede your progress. Read a thing I published on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/crises-can-complicate-building-career-michelle-walch-michelle-walch/?trackingId=1xjrfDggAFPIuLWiDbxrKg%3D%3D

If we are being honest, I miss working a 40 hour week. The purpose, the pay, the people.

07/04/2021

Read an interview with Ebonee Bell about her Black History Month talk, and the origins of variolation (immunization) in West Africa. I want to hear your thoughts on this story! Like it? Share it! https://www.michellewalch.com/michelles-wellness-blog/2021/3/29/onesimus-and-cotton-mather-how-the-practice-of-variolation-immunization-in-west-africa-shaped-the-slave-trade-in-america

Onesimus and Cotton Mather: How the Practice of Variolation (Immunization) in West Africa Shaped the Slave Trade in America. A conversation with Multnomah County Library Outreach Coordinator Ebonee Bell on her presentation “The Black History You Thought You Knew.”

27/01/2021

Book Review: What’s it like to live with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? Can you live a relatively full life with a degenerative muscular disease? Joe Stupfel’s memoir gives insight.

I recently read Time Limits: Never Say Die: A Memoir by Joseph Stupfel. Despite the physical limitations and being dependent on life support, Joe Stupfel had a fine mind, was a fighter, and found ways to enjoy his days. He shares favorite memories about his family, spending time outdoors, as well as advocating for wheelchair accessibility at school before the Americans with Disabilities Act came into existence. Highlights include meeting Oregon’s governor Bob Straub and speaking at an event.

He was often bullied at school during a time when school bullying was an accepted state of affairs and little was done to try to put a stop to it - you were told to fight back instead, or just deal with it. Despite the bullying, he persevered. Resistance from institutions to accommodate someone in a wheelchair and how he and his parents got the school to build a ramp is a great example of self-advocacy. Joe’s story clearly illustrates that physical limitation - or any kind of limitation - does not bar you from life.

When he became completely dependent on life support and was confined to a hospital bed, Joe became one of the first people to use a pioneering computer program that allowed him to surf the Internet by using a visual apparatus to move the mouse and even use a virtual keyboard with just his eyes, by blinking. From the confines of his hospital bed he was able to make contact with the world, another example of how he never let his infirmity stop him.

The self-published book is edited by Joe’s sister Marianne Stupfel-Wallace. Marianne keeps Joe’s voice authentic and helps him tell his story, sharing his experiences and wisdom. Book design and illustrations are by Joe’s brother-in-law Adrian Wallace. Adrian’s Tin Tin-style gives the memoir a distinct and friendly feel. Much caring was put into the book, as evidenced by the editing and artwork. The book is free. Reach out to Marianne if you are interested in a copy (you can message me and I can message her).